Gaelic Storm Returns for Dayton Celtic Festival

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Though the boat sank, from their appearance in the motion picture Titanic the band Gaelic Storm shot upwards and is continuing to ride the wave of success. After beginning as a pub-based group they have become one of the premiere touring acts in the country and will be headlining the Dayton Celtic Festival, July 30 – August 1.

“We’ve been coming since the beginning and it’s always a great time. Dayton has one of the most enthusiastic and loudest crowds of anywhere,” Steve Twigger, of Gaelic Storm, said.

For over a decade Gaelic Storm has been expanding their fan base, luring them in with whimsy lyrics, rhythmic instrumentals and highly energized performances. Rather than calm skies it’s a storm of activity whenever they are on stage.

“Every night we give 110% and the audience responds by giving it right back to us,” Twigger said.

Never did any of the groups members, which also includes; Patrick Murphy, Ryan Lacey, Peter Purvis, and Jessie Burns, expect such a musical journey. They had meant to just play at pubs around L.A but after Titanic and word spread about their sounds more doors were opened. Gaelic Storm routinely performs at all the biggest Celtic Festivals, tours all over the country throughout the year, and has released seven Billboard Chart topping albums, and a full length concert film.

In July of 2008, their latest album, ‘What’s the Rumpus?’ debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Album Chart and #1 on the iTunes World Album Chart. It’s all a dream come true for Twigger, who though born in England has made the U.S his home.
“People dream of success in America and we love living in and touring the states. We have been really welcomed and have had a lot of great experiences,” he said.

Music has long been a passion for Twigger who was in his first band at the age of 16, after teaching himself to play the guitar. For most of the 80’s he was in a band called the ‘Woodies,’ named after Woody Harrelson, who was in a bar with the cast of Cheers while the members tried to come up with what to call the group.

After completing a degree in the Arts, the music became a hobby as for three years he worked as an art director/graphic designer and illustrator in London for over three years. Twigger then moved to Los Angeles where he designed movie posters for the Hollywood Studios, winning several national and international awards.

Though since meeting Patrick Murphy at an Irish Pub, and being asked to join his band the Gaelic Storm, art has switched to being the hobby as he makes musical masterpieces on stage on a nightly basis.
Every Gaelic Storm performance is filled with the same energy that pulled them out of the pubs and into the national spotlight. “We had to work really hard, without regular play on the radio or television we had to get our fans one at a time. We proved ourselves as a hard working band,” Twigger said.

To give thanks and as a sign of appreciation the members of Gaelic Storm meet with the audience after the show to sign autographs or just shake hands. “We love doing that and will stay until the last fan is gone. We are also known to have a swig or two at the after party, it’s always a good time, if you can remember it, Twigger said.

An after party always follows the festival at Flanagan’s Pub.

The Dayton Celtic Festival is July 30 -August 1, downtown at Riverscape. It’s a celebration of the Celtic Heritage with food, shopping and an array of entertainment for all ages. The Festivals hours are Friday, July 24 from 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, July 25 from noon – 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 26 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Gaelic Storm will be performing Friday night at 9:40 p.m.; Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. and Sunday at 4:40 p.m.